Truck Guides and Running Board Accessories

Truck Accessories, Running Boards, And Fitment Guides

Use this trucks hub to start with the right type of upgrade before comparing products. The most important checks are vehicle fitment, cab length, mounting location, step width, load rating, corrosion protection, wiring needs, and whether the accessory still leaves enough ground clearance for how you use the truck.

[gs_table id=”10298″]

For maintenance and service jobs, see the guides on removing GM power running boards and coating running boards for protection.

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, GarageSanctum may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Compare vehicle-specific truck steps on Amazon

Latest Truck Guides

How To Polish Aluminum Running Boards Safely

How To Polish Aluminum Running Boards Safely Quick answer: Polish aluminum running boards only after you know whether the visible surface is bare aluminum, clear-coated aluminum, anodized aluminum, painted trim, or a plastic/rubber tread insert. Bare aluminum can usually be cleaned, deoxidized, polished, and sealed. Coated or anodized boards should [...]

Frame-Mounted Running Boards: Fitment and Installation Guide

Frame-Mounted Running Boards: Fitment and Installation Guide Quick answer: A frame-mounted running board uses brackets tied to the vehicle's frame or another heavy structural mounting point instead of relying only on thin rocker-sheet-metal locations. But product labels are inconsistent: many kits called “frame mount” actually use factory body-mount bolts, rocker-panel [...]

Frame Mount vs. Rocker Mount Running Boards: Which One Reigns Supreme?

Frame Mount vs. Rocker Mount Running Boards: Which One Reigns Supreme? Frame Mount vs. Rocker Mount Running Boards: Quick Answer Frame-mounted running boards usually make more sense when strength, work-truck use, and heavier step loads matter. Rocker-mounted running boards can be easier to install and may fit many daily-driver setups, [...]

Who Installs Running Boards? How to Choose the Right Installer

Find the Expert: Who Installs Running Boards with Precision and Professionalism? Are you looking for a professional installation of running boards on your vehicle? Do you want to ensure that the job is done with precision and expertise? Start by checking fitment and installation requirements. There are many experts out [...]

Factory vs Aftermarket Running Boards: Which Should You Choose?

Factory vs Aftermarket Running Boards: Which Should You Choose? Quick answer: Choose factory or OEM-accessory running boards when integrated appearance, documented vehicle compatibility, dealer installation, and a simple warranty path are the priorities. Choose aftermarket boards when you need a different width, drop, material, tread, wheel-to-wheel length, powered operation, heavy-duty [...]

What Are Running Boards Made Of? Materials And Finishes

What Are Running Boards Made Of? Materials And Finishes Quick answer: Most running boards are built from aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel, or a combination of those materials. The board may also include plastic or rubber tread pads, steel mounting brackets, cast linkage arms, stainless trim, and a powder-coated, anodized, [...]

Remove Power Assisted GM Running Boards: Safety-First Guide

Remove Power Assisted GM Running Boards: Safety-First Guide Power assisted running boards are a great convenience feature in modern cars. They provide easy access to the vehicle’s cabin by automatically deploying when the door is opened and then retracting when the door is closed. However, these running boards can sometimes [...]

Install Speed Daddy Running Boards: Fitment and Safety Checks

Install Speed Daddy Running Boards: Fitment, Brackets and Safety Checks Installing running boards on your vehicle can provide a number of benefits, from enhancing the vehicle's aesthetic appeal to making it easier to get in and out of the car. However, installing running boards can be a daunting task, especially [...]

How To Install Running Board Lights On A Ram Truck Safely

How To Install Running Board Lights On A Ram Truck Safely Quick answer: Install Ram running-board courtesy lights as a protected automotive circuit, not by connecting them to whichever factory wires are nearby. First confirm the truck's exact model year, platform, cab, existing powered steps, and desired light behavior. Calculate [...]

Dodge Ram Running Board Installation: Step-by-Step Fitment Guide

Dodge Ram Running Board Installation: A StepbyStep Guide Dodge Ram trucks are renowned for their powerful engines, rugged design, and exceptional performance. However, getting in and out of these towering beasts can be a challenge for some people, especially those with mobility issues. That's where running boards come in. Running [...]

DIY Custom Running Boards: Fitment, Safety, and Build Tips

DIY Truck Upgrade: Create Custom Running Boards for Your Vehicle Looking for a way to upgrade your truck's appearance and access? Custom running boards can help, but they must be mounted safely and matched to your specific truck. Many owners are better served by a rated vehicle-specific kit; a build-from-scratch [...]

Who Made My Running Boards? How To Identify The Manufacturer

Who Made My Running Boards? How To Identify The Manufacturer Quick answer: To identify who made an existing running board, record every logo, molded name, label, serial number, part number, patent number, controller label, and bracket stamp before searching. Confirm the vehicle's exact year, make, model, cab, and powertrain separately. [...]

Who Makes Ionic Running Boards? Brand, Fitment, And Alternatives

Discover Who Makes Ionic Running Boards: The Top Manufacturers Revealed When it comes to equipping your vehicle with reliable and durable running boards, choosing the right manufacturer is crucial. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which brand is the best fit for [...]

SUV Running Board Installation Cost: What Changes The Price?

SUV Running Board Installation Cost: What Changes The Price? Quick answer: The installed cost of SUV running boards is the price of the boards, vehicle-specific brackets, hardware, shipping and tax, plus shop labor and any drilling, wiring, removal, corrosion repair, or calibration. A simple fixed no-drill kit can require only [...]

Chrome Running Boards Cleaning Guide: Tips and Tricks for Sparkling Results

Chrome Running Boards Cleaning Guide Chrome running boards look best when they are cleaned before road film, salt, brake dust, and mud sit on the finish for weeks. The safe approach is simple: rinse first, use mild soap or a chrome-safe cleaner, work with microfiber or a soft brush, dry [...]